Scott and Matt's epic 950-mile bike ride on bamboo bicycles
In February 2023, Scott and Matt took on an epic fundraising adventure and rode 950 miles on bamboo bicycles from Uganda to the base of Mount Kilimanjaro! They raised money for Made With Hope’s classroom renovation projects at Oldeneret primary school in Arusha, Tanzania.
The bamboo bicycles were handmade in Uganda, and ready for the pair to collect after flying into Uganda. Once they had all the gear set up, they embarked on their crazy adventure.
The cycling duo raised an incredible £2,555! This money will help to renovate a whole classroom, including new desks. Oldenderet primary school currently does not have safe and clean classrooms for children to learn in - there isn’t any rainproofed roofing, secure windows or doors, nor enough desks for students to learn. Having a proper environment to learn in is so important for both the teachers and the students.
Matt and Scott cycled into Oldenderet primary school and were greeted by Hussein (from Ndato in Action) and the local community. They were shown what projects had already been completed, and what work was still left to do.
We asked them how their bike ride went…
How did you find the bike ride?
“The terrain was tough- when it was a dirt road, its like nothing you can imagine back here in the uk. Think 4x4 off road driving course! The orange dust got everywhere! Of course, riding 100km plus a day in 37 degree heat with a fully loaded bike is always going to hard physically- especially the total climb of 38k feet, but when you are reminded constantly of the poverty around you, you suck it up. It was emotionally exhausting. That how I'd describe it. From everything we saw- both good and bad- to the incredible welcome at Oldeneret. Nothing can prepare you for that!”
How were the bikes?!
“Faultless! The frames are built out of bamboo and joined with Bark Cloth - Both obviously sustainable materials - and we took all the components out with us to Kabale (Pedals, handle bars etc). We had a couple of punctures, but considering the terrain, the weight of all our gear and the 900 miles - we and the bikes did brilliantly. Plus, they are truly beautiful creations!”
What was the best part about the trip?
“ The people, no question. The welcome we received, the positivity we were constantly greeted with, juxtaposed with being stared out because we were Mzungus, on bikes, riding through their little dirt track villages... and they had often never ever seen a white-skinned person”
And what was the hardest part about the trip?
“Tricky question. Although the terrain was tough and the heat was tiring... I guess seeing poverty first hand was tough. Humbling. I think Matt and I will be mentally processing the experience for quite some time.”
Lastly, why did you decide to fundraise for MWH?
“We were after a small charity that was transparent in where monies went. After speaking to Eleanor we were convinced we had chosen well. Not only was she willing to give us time, we were very impressed with the work that was being done. For all the things we predicted or thought we could help with, we knew that no matter what, education was always going to be something that could bring about fundamental change.”
We want to say a huge THANK YOU to Matt and Scott for their achievement! Their bamboo bicycle bonanza has left us in awe of their determination to do something so crazy yet amazing, and most importantly, to raise vital funds for the projects at Oldenderet primary school.
Would you like to take on your own adventure and raise money for Made With Hope? From doing a bake sale to taking on a new challenge, to our small charity, every penny counts and we love making sure our donors feel like their support is truly appreciated.